High above the small reef island, Bai Yue's spaceship slowed to a halt. The hatch opened, and the five figures stepped out one after another before plunging straight into the deep blue sea.
When they reached the cave entrance, scattered fragments of Automaton puppets came into view. Twisted metal limbs and shattered cores lay strewn across the seabed. The atmosphere instantly grew heavy.
"Someone definitely entered before us," Mang Long said in a low voice, his gaze sweeping across the wreckage. "And judging by the remains… it wasn't just one group."
The other four nodded in silence. Without wasting words, they cautiously advanced into the cave passage.
Bai Yue extended his Domain secret technique forward, carefully probing the situation inside. After a brief moment, his expression shifted slightly.
"There's no one left inside the underground hall," he transmitted. "The protective shield has weakened significantly. Even ordinary Undying should be able to pass through it now."
Hearing this, Mang Long and the others quickened their pace.
Soon, they arrived one after another in the vast underground space. The scene before them confirmed Bai Yue's judgment—Automaton puppet debris littered the area, bearing clear traces of a fierce battle. From the distribution of wreckage, it was obvious the Automaton Race had suffered a crushing defeat.
After a brief inspection, the group gathered at the center of the altar. Mang Long took out the jade sword, inserted it into the small aperture, and infused Undying divine power.
The altar trembled.
Space twisted violently.
In the next instant, the five figures vanished.
When Bai Yue's vision cleared, he found himself standing within a boundless expanse of white mist.
The world here was hazy and indistinct, like an endless sea of fog. Visibility was severely limited—only a few dozen meters could be seen clearly, while everything beyond dissolved into vague whiteness.
The five of them stood close together, instinctively surveying their surroundings. No immediate danger revealed itself, which allowed everyone to relax slightly—but only slightly.
"This place suppresses detection methods," the gray-robed elder Weibulu said slowly. "Soul perception in particular is heavily weakened. Everyone, be careful."
Unbeknownst to them, deep within the core of this space stood a majestic divine hall.
Inside the hall, projections of Bai Yue's team flickered into existence. Beside them, two more projection screens displayed other groups—Morris's Automaton Race team, as well as a Monster Race team that had entered earlier.
At the head of the divine hall were two divine thrones. On the slightly smaller throne to the right sat a beautiful Human woman. Her gaze remained fixed on the projections, her expression unreadable.
"Another Human team has arrived…" she murmured softly. "Not enough… still not enough. Wait a little longer. Just a little longer."
As her voice faded, the jade swords scattered throughout the Storm Sea began to react, emitting subtle fluctuations that guided more explorers toward this place.
Within the mist-filled space, Bai Yue and the others continued advancing cautiously, unaware that they were already being observed.
The dense white mist severely weakened soul detection, forcing them to move slowly and methodically. Occasionally, they sensed the fleeting aura of alien races nearby, but each time the presence vanished before they could lock onto it.
Time flowed silently.
Years passed.
In the blink of an eye, more than two years had gone by.
Despite the immense distance they must have covered, they still found no clear clues, no treasures, no exit—only endless mist. Even so, everyone present was a seasoned powerhouse, their wills tempered through countless trials. No one voiced impatience.
Then, change finally came.
Within the divine hall, the number of projections had grown to twelve—meaning nine additional teams had entered the space after Bai Yue and the others.
The beautiful woman rose slightly from her throne.
"Since everyone is here," she said calmly, "let us begin."
The white mist roiled violently.
An invisible fluctuation swept across the entire space. The fog rapidly thinned, revealing a massive stone tablet that had appeared out of nowhere. Behind it, a narrow path slowly emerged, winding forward into the unknown. Its end could not be seen.
Almost instantly, all twelve teams sensed the disturbance and rushed toward the source.
When Bai Yue and his group arrived, five teams had already gathered near the stone tablet. No one stepped forward. Everyone stood apart, cautiously observing one another, wary of sudden conflict.
Yin Mo's voice sounded through transmission. "It's the Separation Marquis—one of ours."
Indeed, among the assembled teams was one primarily composed of Humans, with the Separation Marquis standing at its center.
Seeing this, Mang Long led Bai Yue's group toward the Human side.
"Lord Separation Marquis," Mang Long greeted respectfully.
"Since you've arrived, you all have an opportunity," the Separation Marquis replied gently. "Remain vigilant. Guard against the alien races."
He then asked about their experience. Upon learning they had been trapped in the mist for over two years, his brows furrowed slightly.
Before long, the remaining teams arrived. All twelve teams that had entered this space were now present.
The Monster Race had the greatest numbers—five teams, more than seventy individuals. The Human Race and Insect Race each had three teams. The Automaton Race, however, was left with only Morris's three Undying.
If Automaton Race faces could change color, theirs would have been pitch-black at this moment.
On the Human side, counting Bai Yue's team and another group of affiliated races, there were around twenty individuals in total.
As secret voice transmissions crisscrossed the scene—and the Monster Race even began discussing a temporary alliance to eliminate the Automaton Race first—a sudden change occurred.
Light flared across the stone tablet.
A projection appeared: an old man with fiery red hair, six arms, and blazing red armor. His eyes glinted with cruel amusement.
"If you wish to obtain my treasures," the old man's voice echoed, "then pass through the Illusion Heart Realm I have left behind. Once you enter, life and death will no longer be yours to decide. Whether you dare to attempt it… choose for yourselves! Hahaha!"
The laughter echoed ominously.
There was no mention of retreat. No mention of escape. It was clear that this person—Yuan Bin—had never intended to give challengers a way out.
Silence fell.
Before anyone else could react, Morris's Automaton Race team moved.
They stepped onto the narrow path.
In the next instant, the three figures vanished.
This single action shattered the fragile balance.
Morris had already sensed the faint killing intent in the air earlier. With only three Undying, the Automaton Race was clearly the weakest faction present. If conflict broke out, they would be the first targets.
But an illusion trial?
For the Automaton Race—beings without true souls—this was the most favorable scenario possible.
Thus, Morris made his decision without hesitation.
Seeing this, the tension finally loosened.
"Since that's the case," the Separation Marquis said calmly, "everyone should enter and rely on their own abilities."
The Insect Race and Monster Race exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Engaging in a large-scale battle here would only weaken everyone. Maintaining peak condition to face the ruins was the wiser choice.
One by one, the teams began stepping toward the Illusion Heart Realm.
I also read novels also read novels as you all know today i found more than 1 such person that was selling their novels fo up to 150 USD[each book] i mean daammn and two were selling translations for 40 USD i mean ok but i have to say either i have been poor my whole lif ean dont know jack shit about this market or may be i am just a saint [damn the war is effecting the price of novels as well???]
_____________________
https://[email protected]/mrSOMEONE01234? [replace @ with a]
>>>>>I'm a student, and I'll try my best to keep uploading chapters regularly <<<<<
thanks for your support
[[READER TIER 1: translates stories {15$} ]] { RECOMENDED }
[[READER TIER 2: translated & original stories {20$} ]]
[[[[Please at least visit my patreon so I can have some traffic]]]]]
Also try
[[[Restaurant in Douluo Dalu (530+ch)]]] {6$}
[[[Jujutsu kaisen : Eight Gates For Heavenly Restriction(196+)(COMPLETED) ]]] {6$} [[[JOJO: My Stand Is Black Sperm(100+ch)]]]{6$}
_____________________
https://[email protected]/mrSOMEONE01234? [replace @ with a]
>>>>>I'm a student, and I'll try my best to keep uploading chapters regularly <<<<<
thanks for your support
[[READER TIER 1: translates stories {15$} ]] { RECOMENDED }
[[READER TIER 2: translated & original stories {20$} ]]
[[[[Please at least visit my patreon so I can have some traffic]]]]]
Also try
[[[Restaurant in Douluo Dalu (530+ch)]]] {6$}
[[[Jujutsu kaisen : Eight Gates For Heavenly Restriction(196+)(COMPLETED) ]]] {6$} [[[JOJO: My Stand Is Black Sperm(100+ch)]]]{6$}